Maternity photos look dreamy on Pinterest… but when you add a toddler and a dog into the mix, they become a little chaotic — and honestly, that’s what made ours so special.
Instead of heading to a studio or beach, we chose to take our maternity photos at home, where everyone (especially our son and dog) felt most comfortable. We did two simple setups: one outside in the backyard and one inside our home — and both felt completely different while still feeling very us.
Backyard Maternity Photos — All Black & Laid-Back
For our backyard photos, we wore all black. The goal was simple, timeless, and easy — no overthinking outfits, no matching patterns, just clean and classic.
The backyard gave us space for movement, which mattered a lot with a toddler. Some of our favorite shots weren’t perfectly posed at all — they were the in-between moments: laughing, playing, swinging, and letting our son just be himself.
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What worked outside:
- Letting our son move instead of forcing stillness
- Playful poses instead of stiff ones
- Laughing through the chaos instead of correcting it
Indoor Maternity Photos — Cream Tones & Cozy Moments
Inside, we changed into cream and neutral tones to soften the mood and highlight our home. These photos felt calmer and more intimate — exactly what we wanted for this part of the shoot.
Sitting together, cuddling, letting our son climb all over us, and capturing quiet moments made these photos feel natural instead of staged.
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Capturing the Bump (and the Sweet Moments)
These moments ended up being some of my favorites. Simple, emotional, and focused on the connection — not perfection.
Tips for a Stress-Free Maternity Shoot With Kids
If you’re planning maternity photos with a toddler (or kids in general), here’s what helped us:
1. Choose a Photographer Who Loves Kids
This matters more than anything. A photographer who understands toddlers will keep things fun instead of forced.
2. Bring Bribes (No Shame)
We hid M&Ms and pulled them out strategically. Happy toddler = better photos.
3. Play Music
Music helped break the tension and kept the energy light.
4. Aim for Playful, Not Perfect
Some of our favorite photos came from movement — lifting, throwing, laughing — not standing still.
5. Keep It Short
Short sessions work best for little attention spans.
6. Let Your Home Be Part of the Story
Your backyard, kitchen, living room — these everyday spaces make the photos feel real and meaningful.
Why At-Home Maternity Photos Are Worth It
These photos captured more than just a baby bump — they captured our family as it is right now. Messy, loud, loving, and full of movement.
If you’re on the fence about doing maternity photos at home, especially with kids, this is your sign to go for it. Embrace the chaos, bring snacks, turn on music, and let the moments unfold.